Hawaii State Legislature
State Capitol
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Contact: Chris Martelles (808) 587-7225

PRESS RELEASE
EMBARGOED UNTIL 12 P.M. January 29, 2004

MAUI LAWMAKERS WELCOME FUNDS FOR AIR AMBULANCE

Today's release by Governor Linda Lingle of $1 million for emergency air ambulance services for the County of Maui was warmly welcomed today by the House and Senate members who worked hard to deliver this vital service to the people of their districts. Maui County's growing population has experienced increased strains on its health care system in recent years, and its legislators have repeatedly emphasized the need for increased emergency medical services. Today's announcement means that a new life-saving resource will be available, even to remote areas of Maui County.

Funding had originally been vetoed by Governor Linda Lingle, but Senators Rosalyn Baker (D-West Maui, South Maui), Shan Tsutsui (D-Kahului), J. Kalani English (Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'I, Kaho'olawe & Kalaupapa), and Representatives Sol Kaho'ohalaha (D-East Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i Kaho'olawe & Kalaupapa), Joe Souki (D-Wailuku, Walehu), and Bob Nakasone (D-Kahului, Pa'ia) worked together to persuade her that the time had come to keep Maui County residents supplied with adequate medical services.

Sen. Baker, Chair of the Senate Health Committee said, "The issue of parity in medical services for outlying regions of our state has long been a priority issue for me and for the people of my district. This is a happy day for the people of Maui County and for all the people of Hawaii." Rep. Kaho'ohalahala added, "Lana'i is my home, and I know the air ambulance will save lives and help deliver high-quality medical care to areas that have been without it for too long." Sen. English said, "I am delighted that the Governor has revised her position on this important matter. As a resident of Hana, I know firsthand how important an air ambulance will be to the people whose lives will be made safer by the addition of this important service. The rural areas of our county Ð Moloka'i, Lana'i, and East Maui Ð all benefit."

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